Students and businesses celebrate a year of collaboration

Students, staff and business leaders gathered in Portsmouth last week to celebrate a successful year of partnership which has seen university students tackle real challenges facing local and regional organisations. 

The event marked the conclusion of the 2025 Business Consultancy Project (BCP), a programme run by the University of Portsmouth’s Faculty of Business and Law that pairs final year students with businesses and non-profit organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors. 

Last year, around 120 students worked with 29 organisations from across the city and wider region, forming small consultancy teams to research live business problems and develop practical recommendations. The celebration brought together those students with the organisations they supported, highlighting the shared value of the partnership. 

One of the speakers at the event was Luca Frederick, a local business owner and current student, who reflected on his experience of taking part in BCP as a client while also running a business during his self-employed placement year. “Going into BCP I was excited to get different perspectives from fellow students on my business,” he said. “Having a fresh set of eyes look over everything was amazing. They explored areas I had never even thought of. I would highly recommend the programme.” 

The scheme demonstrates how universities can play a practical role in supporting local economies. Dr Dominic Page, Executive Dean from the University of Portsmouth’s Faculty of Business and Law,  said: “The Business Consultancy Project reflects what we stand for - strong employability, meaningful engagement with our communities, and universities acting as partners in their local and regional economies.” 

For students, the value lies in learning through live client projects. Amy Hopkins, Employability and Enterprise Coordinator from the University of Portsmouth, reflected on how working with clients gives students skills that cannot be developed in lecture theatres alone. “Real-world learning through live client projects helps students build confidence, judgement and practical skills,” she said. “By working with real challenges, they leave better prepared, more adaptable and with a clearer understanding of professional expectations.” 

Ze Zook, Module Coordinator for Business Consultancy Projects, said: “It has been another successful year of meaningful collaboration between students and businesses in and beyond Portsmouth. This work affects real organisations, real people and local economies.” 

BCP projects run from October to December each year, with student teams acting as consultants, carrying out research, analysing findings and presenting recommendations to their clients. Each January, the University hosts a celebration event to bring together students, staff and partners who have worked together. 

Businesses interested in taking part in future Business Consultancy Projects can find out more at port.ac.uk/bcp or by emailing studentprojects@port.ac.uk